NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. These bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
NSFAS funding includes the following:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Living allowances for food and accommodation
- Learning material allowances
How Much Are NSFAS Allowances For 2024?
For university students:
- The annual living allowance is R16,500, which includes R3,045 for personal care and R13,455 for meals.
- They also receive a learning material allowance of up to R5,460.
For TVET college students:
- The annual living allowance is R10,000.
- The learning material allowance varies depending on the course.
NSFAS allowances are divided into 10 payments every year. This means that in December 2024, students will not receive any allowances.
December is different to every month due to NSFAS not paying allowances during this month. NSFAS only pays allowances for 10 months every year, during the academic year.
The academic year commences in February and ends in November for most institutions which means that NSFAS pays allowances from February until November.
Special Provisions for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may qualify for additional allowances, including higher living allowances and more support for learning materials. However, certain conditions apply, such as allowances being available only during simulated training for some TVET students.
Maintaining NSFAS Eligibility
To continue receiving NSFAS funding, students must maintain their academic eligibility and meet the required standards set by NSFAS.
This article was updated on 25 November 2024.
